Pakistan to launch 3G in first quarter of 2014

ISLAMABAD: Secretary IT Ikhlaq Tarrar has said the 3G system for cellular users will be launched in the first quarter of 2014.

He said PTA will hire the services of an international consultant for the auction of 3G licences, which will be issued in a transparent manner in the first quarter of 2014. He said the country had 30 megahertz space which would be sold in three blocs – 10 megahertz each. He said there are five cell phone operators in Pakistan now but the number could come down to four and the PTA is authorised to make four instead of three blocks.

He said the 3G will enable cell users to have facility of calls, SMS and internet. He said in India, a bidder bid exorbitantly in the first auction for 3G licence and later ran away, adding that India will call bids in November.